Skip to main content

Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

to
10
15,470
11,467
185
6
4
11
10
7
6
6
3
2
1
1
47
138
10
69
41
8
4
4
5
1
2
7
1
3
99
69
32
20
17
99
92
83
56
53
195
194
195
2
2
2
1
1
Item Ships From: Illinois
Early 20th Century JW Wilson Salesman Sample Buggy Seat
Located in Dekalb, IL
1890s-1910s; J. W. Wilson's Swing Seat, Manchester, NH. In the late 1800s, drivers of wagons and heavy carriages known as "drays" had a problem, and this wooden salesman sample seat...
Category

Early 20th Century American Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Vintage Columbia Bikes Framed Parts Display
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1920s/1930s; Columbia Bikes/The Westfield Manufacturing Co. - Westfield, MA Antique historical bike parts wall-mounted display. This piece serves as a salesman sample-type displ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Mongolian Horn Libation Cup, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Used more for social interactions than everyday imbibing, this Mongolian libation cup accompanied a scholar to social gatherings held by literati known as...
Category

Late 19th Century Mongolian Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Horn

Chinese Double Butterfly Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Vintage Coin Operated Carousel Horse Ride
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Coin Operated Carousel Horse Ride Classic American Vintage 25 Cent Coin Operated Carousel Horse Children's Ride By Amusement Equipment Mfg. Ltd. Eldon, MO All Original, Operational When Plugged in, Not Set for Coin Rides...
Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Kay Bojesen Pair of Carved and Articulated Oak Elephants, From Denmark
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Chicago, IL
Elephant figures are brown toned and wooden. One figure has slightly darker tone. Each piece has articulated areas. Each piece measures approx 6.5 inches long 5 inches tall 4 inches wide. Wooden elephants, elephant figures, Kay BOJESEN elephants...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair of Chinese Twisted Iron Coal Chopsticks, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of iron chopsticks for moving burning coals in a hibachi or hand-warmer. Such chopsticks were also used to safely touch pipe bowls or tools that had been heated by an oil lamp...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Vintage Salesman Sample Tire Vulcanizing Machine
Located in Dekalb, IL
Vintage tire manufacturing and repair machine salesman sample. This piece would have been shopped around to various service stations and garages. Its purpose was to vulcanize tires,...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Japanese Spotted Bamboo Tobacco Inro, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Because traditional Japanese kimono didn't include pockets, men and women carried their belongings in small compartments known as inro. Hung from the obi sash belted around the waist and secured by carved netsuke beads, inro were worn as fashionable accessories and often crafted of fine materials. Paired with a cylindrical case that once held a thin smoking pipe (kiseru), this 19th century inro was likely used for storing shredded tobacco. Both components are carved from spotted bamboo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Bamboo, Hardwood

Set of Three Hardback Julius Shulman , Modernism Rediscovered Books
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful set of three hardback large coffee table books of Julius Shulman modernism rediscovered published by the Taschen group 2007
Category

Early 2000s North American Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Chinese Woven Bamboo Foot Soldier s Helmet, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This conical woven hat originates from 19th century China and is expertly crafted entirely of bamboo. The outside consists of slivers of bamboo woven together with rattan strips, sec...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Butterfly Gourd Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Japanese Tokyo Shop Tabako-Bon
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Sheet Metal

Antique 1945 Smith Corona Sterling Typewriter
By L.C. Smith Corona Typewriters Inc
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique 1945 Smith Corona Sterling Typewriter Use this typewriter as decor in your restaurant or coffee shop. It will bring a vintage aesthetic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Rabbit Toggle Charm
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite mother-of-pearl carving is a delightful example of the button-like toggles worn by men and women throughout the Qing dynasty. Because traditional Chinese clothing didn't ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Larry Laske Prototype Model for Toothpick Cactus Table
By Lawrence Laske
Located in Chicago, IL
Larry Laske Prototype Model for Cactus Table, Handmade by Laske Studio who's award winning Toothpick Cactus table for Knoll, This model was a revision of that table for knoll as a 20...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Chinese Silk Skull Cap with Gilt Lacquered Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
No self-respecting man in Qing-dynasty China would leave the house without some kind of hat. In fact, headgear was so central to social status that a boy’s passage into manhood was m...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silk, Cane, Wood, Lacquer

Antique Specimen Multi-Drawer Small Cabinet from England c1920 s-1930 s
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
An incredible egg specimen Small Multi-Drawer Cabinet imported about 25 years ago from the City of Leek, England. The Specimen Cabinet and its content are...
Category

1930s British Country Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Glass

Deer Antler 8-Point Mount from Southern France c1960 s
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Antler 8-Point Mount from the Southwest region of France presumably from the 1960's. What is particularly nice is the size while not being so large that the Antlers overwhelm the wal...
Category

1960s French Country Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler

Chinese Charm Token Shoe with Compartment, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally tucked in a pocket as a charm, this tiny shoe was kept close at hand as a talisman for marital happiness. Meticulously carved from wood, the shoe is decorated with a double happiness symbol, the traditional symbol for conjugal bliss. A lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift, the charm has a compartment ready to be filled with a note or small gift...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Chinese Travel Opium Lamp, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Agate

Handblown Gold Flecked and Fused Black Murano Glass Carnivale Masks
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Murano glass carnivale masks. Handblown and molded gold flecked black cased glass with infused colorful circular details.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass

Chinese Painted Bamboo Walking Stick, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Folk Art Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Moss-in-Snow Jadeite Ruyi Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade

Chinese Handheld Ink Block, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese innovations in ink, block printing and movable type fed the technological push toward expanding the written word's range of influence throughout the world. This printing push...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Elm

Chinese Fu Dog Stone Snuff Bottle, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Chinese Petite Gilt String of Charms, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite Chinese jewelry chain dates to the early 20th century and is strung with an array of petite bells and good luck charms. Among the charms is a bat, a stone chime, two litt...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Chinese Moss-in-Snow Jadeite Pendant of Bat Citrons
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade

Chinese Red Glass Snuff Bottle
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Late 19th Century French Cast Iron Salesman Sample Plow by Morcrette
Located in Dekalb, IL
1860s-70s; François Morcrette - Cugny, Aisne, France Morcrette (sometimes spelled Morcrétté) was a blacksmith and plow manufacturer based in the small town of Cugny in the mid-to-la...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Iron

Chinese Moss-in-Snow Jadeite Pendant of Peaches
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade

Chinese Drum-Form Opium Measure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual, barrel-form object was originally one of the many accessories that comprised an opium smoker's kit. Formed of brass with a copper lining, the small tool is known by col...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Tibetan Red Lacquer Cymbal Case Lid, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Ornately patterned and framed with brass fittings, this box lid dates to the 19th century originally enclosed a pair of large Tibetan cymbals. Used in processions and dance performances, cymbals provided percussive backing to wind instruments...
Category

19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Chinese Double Gourd Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Ivorian Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Chinese Lotus Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes are a d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Rocket Sculptures Mobile
Located in Chicago, IL
Three steel cast rockets movable and suspended on 16 foot long cables. Each sculpture has designated cable. Turn buckle mounting mechanism on each cable.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Wire

Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Chinese Calligraphy Brush, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush was part of the four treasures found in a scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold with Lotus Pods, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Fine Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Spoon, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A delicate example of the time-honored practice of blue-and-white ceramics, this 19th century porcelain soup spoon was likely used as an everyday ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Miniature Chinese Etagere Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
A full size bookcase with this level of workmanship and detail would be an incredible find, but this beautiful piece of furniture—at only eight inches tall—is perfectly constructed d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Chinese Good Fortune Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that completed the look. This silver hairpin ends in a round floral medallion framing the decorative Fu (?) character for "good...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Chinese Carved Stone Snuff Bottle
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Chinese Miniature Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A treasure of a chest, this charming miniature cabinet is named for the narrow, rounded molding that surrounds the frame and resembles noodles. Lacquered rich red, the small cabinet exhibits the same high level of craftsmanship found in larger such cabinets made in the Qing dynasty with exquisitely painted floral decorations and handcrafted hardware. The cabinet opens to a single shelf, making it just the place to stow jewelry...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Miniature Chinese Etagere Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
A full size bookcase with this level of workmanship and detail would be an incredible find, but this beautiful piece of furniture—at only ten inches tall—is perfectly constructed dow...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

Miniature Chinese Hardwood Furniture Set
Located in Chicago, IL
This miniature furniture set - at only 6 inches tall - beautifully recreates classic Chinese furniture forms down to the finest of details. Crafted of a beautiful hardwood, prized for its strength and dark color, the set includes a side table and two petite roundback armchairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Mooncake Press, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the mid-19th century, this rustic wood press is carved with twenty round molds used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Silk Lotus Slippers, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These dainty, pointed slippers, made of cotton and silk embroidered with pink flowers, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of bound feet. A practice that began in the Tang dynasty and reached the height of its popularity in the Qing dynasty, foot binding was a painful process intended to make a woman's feet as small as possible by restricting bone growth from an early age. The smaller the feet the more attractive and erotic they were, giving elite women a mark of elegance and a distinctive - albeit tortured - gait of small, light steps. These silk lotus slippers...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Provincial Chinese Kite Reel, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually-shaped object is a 19th century Chinese kite reel, cleverly carved to contain small wooden beads that rattle back and forth as the reel is used. A popular past time, kite flying...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Chinese Longevity Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Vintage Westfield Bikes Framed Parts Display
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1920s/1930s; The Westfield Manufacturing Co. - Westfield, MA Antique historical bike parts wall-mounted display. This piece serves as a salesman sample-type display used to adve...
Category

Early 20th Century American Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Pair of Chinese Brass Brazier Tongs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In 20 years of collecting, we have never run across a pair of brazier tongs, making this object truly a rare find. Once used by a scholar or wealthy homeowner to place hot coals in a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Chinese Eighteen Luohan Walnut Shell Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Walnut

Chinese Lilac Lotus Slippers with Plum Blossoms, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These pointed silk slippers, beautifully embroidered with pink plum blossoms, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of b...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Illinois - Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Read More

Dickens Fan on Your List? This First Edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Is a Treasure

Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.

Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games

Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.

Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.

Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed